First we took the "Kollektivtransport" from the Soria Moria downtown after my first Norwegian wedding. We ate reindeer meat and paid 8 Euros for one beer. Everyone sang and prepared sketches or speeches for the bride and groom. All was planned and organised by the family - respect. There was an authentic social vibe. Almost everyone owns a house and car.

I was even able to read the newspaper on the balcony at 2 am without artificial lighting. One of the biggest issues worrying politicians is how much percentage of the oil money will be spent each year. And that there aren't enough kindergardens. Very sad indeed. Norwegians are friendly and forthcoming people.

I did wonder about the abundance of McDonalds and Burger King in downtown Oslo. Otherwise the capital offers closeby nature: parks, the ocean, lakes and streams. Then there is low unemployment and a booming economy. I was a bit suprised at how many Norwegians spoke German. The munitions ad in the newspaper is targeted towards reindeer hunters, I guess.